Apparel Manufacturers Associations Worldwide
| American Apparel and Footwear Association / Fashion Association / (AAFA): was established August 2000 through a merger of the American Apparel Manufacturers Association (AAMA), Footwear Industry America (FIA) and the Fashion Association (TFA). The national trade association’s combined membership currently accounts for more than $225 billion in annual U.S sales.
American Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN): they are an international group of companies that produce for the American market. Since 1981, a private sector, non-profit, members-only, business network of over 600 company owners and senior executives organized industrially worldwide to produce apparel for the US market from North America, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Asia and China from our headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, USA The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC): The charitable and scientific mission of this foundation has three objectives. The first is to sponsor educational symposia, seminars, and workshops to develop skills of individuals and which brings benefits to the general public. The second objective is to fund original research in textile science. The findings of this research will be made available to the public and used in the education of undergraduate and graduate students. The third objective of the foundation will be to provide scholarship money and award programs in the support of worthy students American Flock Association: Flocking is the application of fine particles to adhesive coated surfaces. The majority of flocking done worldwide uses finely cut natural or synthetic fibers. American Sewing Guild: The guild incorporated in March of 1993, is nonprofit, and now has over 20,000 members with over 125 chapters across the nation. It is governed by an elected national Board of Directors with an Executive Director to run the day to day business of the organization. It is driven by the volunteer power of its membership who sponsor local special events, community service projects, membership drives, fashion shows, produce local newsletters, establish educational programs, run Neighborhood Groups, and much more. American Textile Machinery Association / About ATMA (ATMA): Founded in 1933, the American Textile Machinery Association is the only U.S. trade association devoted solely to the advancement of U.S.-based manufacturers of textile machinery, ancillary equipment and parts. With a membership of 110 companies, their members annually produce a substantial majority (upwards of 80%) of textile machinery made in the United States. The Association is based in the Washington, D.C. area, is managed by a professional staff, and is funded largely by exhibition revenue and member dues. Address: 111 Park Place Falls Church VA 22046-4513 United States (703) 538-1789 tel (703) 241-5603 fax Apparel British Columbia Association: is a self-sustaining, member-driven association with the mandate to enhance and strengthen the viability of the British Columbia apparel industry in a competitive and global environment through advocacy, marketing, education, mentorship, liaison and the setting of ethical standards. The Association of the Austrian Clothing Industry is an independent organization within the Austrian Economic Chamber. The Association acts on behalf of the interests of its member in contact with national and EU authorities, within the Austrian Economic Chamber, versus unions, up-and down-stream parts of the textile chain and other national and international professional associations. Providing an extensive range of services the Association of the Austrian Clothing Industry strengthens the competitiveness of its member companies. Members of the association of the Austrian Clothing Industry are also related industries like the bedding industry, industrial laundries and dry cleaners, industrial manufacturers of buttons and flags as well as automotive textile companies. Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA): brings companies of the nonwoven fabrics industry together to address and resolve the issues affecting their business and serves as the voice sending the message as directed by its members Association of Textile Clothing and Leather Industry (ATOK) [Czech Republic]: the foremost enterprise association in the Czech Republic’s textile, apparel and leather sector the mouthpiece of Czech producers towards the country’s public and government institutions and organizations abroad an important platform for dialogue and formulation of social attitudes and needs of Czech textile manufacturers. Atlantic Apparel Contractor’s Association: Non-profit apparel trade association specializing in new market search and industry information. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association / & http://www.bangladeshgarments.info/ (BGMEA): Starting in late 70s as a small nontraditional sector of export, Ready-made Garment (RMG) emerged as a promising export earning sector of the country by the year 1983. Bangladesh at that time lacked a sectoral trade body, non-government in nature, free from traditional bureaucracy, to help the sector to boost up the country’s foreign exchange earnings. As a result, 1977 marked the birth of BGMEA. Since its humble inception with only nineteen (19) garment manufacturers and exporters, BGMEA has grown into a strong and dynamic body. Today it is proud to have about 3500 garment manufacturers and exporters as its members. The fundamental objective of BGMEA is to establish a healthy business environment for a close and mutually beneficial relationship between the manufacturers, exporters and importers in the process ensuring a steady growth in the foreign exchange earnings of the country. To this end, BGMEA has been playing a very strong role to lead the industry in concurrence with the government. Board Retailers Association (BRA): The Board Retailers Association (BRA) is a non-profit trade association representing over 3,500 action sport storefronts across the country. The association serves as the preeminent voice for independent retailers on a grassroots level with manufacturers, trade show representatives, and other associations. BRA also works to provide educational resources and exclusive discounts and savings from vendors on the day-to-day costs of business.
Bradford Textile Society: Established in 1893, the Bradford Textile Society is the oldest textile society in Britain, if not in the world. Despite all the changes which have taken place in the textile industry since its formation, the Society continues to thrive. Its monthly programme of meetings from October to April provides an opportunity for everyone with an interest in textiles to meet and discuss a range of textile-related topics with an invited speaker. Brazilian-American Fashion Association (BRAMFSA) Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers for high quality fashion apparel, footwear and accessories including Brazilian jeans, bikinis, lingerie and jewelry, all brought together to take advantage of trading relationships to each other. Their mission is to promote opportunities in business development for professionals and business owners that work in the fashion industry by serving as a catalyst offering guidance and leadership to their members in social and ecological sustainability, technology, collaboration and management of shared resources in their business practices, and by providing valuable assistance and general inter-industry networking. Address: Delray Beach, FL 33483 E-mail [email protected] British Fur Trade Association: their aim is to build greater awareness of the fur trade and related issues and help dispel the myths about fur production so that you will have greater understanding and appreciation of the role of fur in today’s world. The British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) was established in 1919 to represent and promote the fur trade. British Glove Association: The British Glove Association (BGA) was formed in 1998 as a result of a merger of two trade associations, the National Association of Glove Manufacturers and the Glove Guild of Great Britain, to represent every area of the British glove industry as a single voice. Its main aims are the promotion of all types of gloves including fashion, uniform, sport and leisure, household and safety gloves, and to be the principal representative for the glove trade with government departments, national organisations and related trades. Its promotional activities include the Student Design Awards for fashion, sports and safety gloves. Members include manufacturers, distributors, retailers, importers, raw material suppliers, designers, sales agents and even individuals with an interest in gloves and gloving. British Hat Guild : Britain leads the world in style, manufacture, and cutting edge design. The mission of the British Hat Guild is to ensure this message is broadcast throughout the world for the benefit of all its members. Bulgarian Association of Apparel and Textile Producers and Exporters (BAATPE): business to business web site for the apparel industry of Bulgaria. Associated with Italian web site ItalianModa.com: Promotes Bulgarian apparel and Textile Exports. Address: 43 Pliska Str. 7004 Rousse BULGARIA Phone: +359 98 272 161 Fax: +359-82-844048 Email: [email protected] California Fashion Association: The California Fashion Association (CFA) is a non-profit organization established to provide information for business expansion and growth to the apparel and textile industry of California. The California Fashion Association (CFA) was organized in 1995, as a non-profit public benefit 501(c)(6) Corporation. The CFA has now been the association for the apparel and textile community since that time. Canadian Apparel Federation: Trade association for Canada’s Apparel Industry. CCACTI: (Consortium on Competitiveness for the Apparel, Carpet, and Textile Industries; State of Georgia, USA). An industry-driven research and technical assistance initiative which addresses critical technology needs facing the Apparel, Carpet, and Textile industries. CEMATEX (Comit European des Constructeurs de Machines Textiles) is composed of eight European associations of textile machinery manufacturers. Among those, beside of Germany, count the associations of Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland. CEMATEX has a central significance for the fair policy. This concerns, beside others, the allocation of the ITMA (International Textile Machinery Exhibition). European textile machinery body owns the ITMA machine show brand. Chemical Fabrics and Film Association (CFFA): The Chemical Fabrics and Film Association is an international trade association representing manufacturers of polymer-based fabric and film products, used in the building and construction, automotive, fashion and many other industries. Children’s Apparel Manufacturing Association (CAMA): Nonprofit representing Canadian children’s wear manufacturers and importers. Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) is the oldest and one of the most representative association of the Apparel Industry in India. With a Membership of over 20,000 Manufacturers and Retailers, CMAI represents a wide cross section of Manufacturers, Exporters and Retailers. The Association has branches in Pune / Bangalore / New Delhi. Established over 40 years ago, The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), has been acting as a catalyst of change, collaborating with the Government in matters of policy that impacts the future of the Apparel Industry. It has been making representations in matters of Sales Tax, Octroi, Entry Tax, VAT etc. for the Domestic Sector and in matters relating to Export Policy, procedures etc. for the Export Sector. The CMAI also acts as a Guide for its Members on meeting various Government Regulations. Color Association of the US (CAUS) : is America’s oldest forecasting organization issuing an annual interiors chart; seasonal fashion forecasts in the fields of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing. Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia Ltd (TFIA) Was first established in 1940s and today represents a growing diversity of Australian Textile, Clothing and Footwear businesses, their owners and employees. These businesses make products not only for the textile and fashion sectors but also for automotive, food, construction, medical, defense, sport and even aerospace. COTANCE: The Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community (COTANCE) is the representative body of the European Leather Industry. It is a non-profit organization established in order to promote the interests of the European tanning industry at international level. Apart from representing European tanners and dressers, it also has the mission of promoting European leather both in the European and international markets. COTANCE is the only qualified interlocutor representing the views of the European Tanning Industry. It has gained a wide recognition both internally and externally as the reference body for the European leather industry. COTANCE’s activities and policies focus on promoting the economic growth and sustainable development of the European tanning industry. Cotton Incorporated: The Research and Marketing Company Representing Upland Cotton Producers and Importers. |
| Digital Printing & Imaging Association (DPI) members are at the forefront of companies that embrace the promise of new technology and play an important part in creating an ongoing imaging revolution. DPI exists for them, and for others looking to join digital imaging’s wave of change. From digital printers to screen printers to photo labs; textile printers to reprographic shops, the benefit of DPI membership is the same: direct access to the information you need to keep your company strong. They are associated with Screen Printing & Graphic Imaging Association International (SGIA) |
Embroidery Trade Association [ETA] (USA): Non-profit membership organization for professionals and companies in the North American embroidery industry. Link to trade show calendar, educational materials, buyers guide and federal trade database. The mission of Embroidery Trade Association is to strengthen the commercial embroidery business through member education, representation, networking, research and consumer outreach.
EURATEX – The European Apparel and Textile Organisation: EURATEX’s main objective is to promote the interests of its members while taking into account the European Union’s institutional framework and its international obligations. As the voice of the European textile and clothing industry, EURATEX’s main objective is to create an environment with in the European Union which is conducive to the manufacture of textile and clothing products. Its headquarters in Brussels are within touching distance of the major decision-making bodies of the EU, at Commission, Parliament and Council level. In this context, the major areas of concern to EURATEX over recent years have been: to ensure the smoothest possible transition into the quota-free era, to promote a further expansion of the EU exports of textiles and clothing, to promote legislation and its application in the field of intellectual property, to support measures which enhance environmental protection but which are at the same time acceptable to the industry, to promote and participate in research, development, innovation and other educational or social projects which bring value added to the industry at European level, to engage in a constructive social dialogue at EU level with our social partners, and to disseminate economic and statistical data to the membership.
European Association of Textile Polyolefins: EATP is the European Association established to promote and develop the interests of manufacturers of Textile Polyolefins.
Fashion Association, The (TFA): Founded in 1955, THE FASHION ASSOCIATION is the not-for-profit public relations arm of the apparel industry, representing hundreds of manufacturers, retailers, designers and textile producers in both men’s and women’s apparel. TFA, a membership organization, provides fashion and business news stories to newspapers, magazines, TV and radio networks nationally and around the world.
Fashion Center, The: The Fashion Center Business Improvement District, a not-for-profit corporation, was established in 1993 to promote New York City’s apparel industry and to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of Manhattan’s garment district. Through programs in the areas of marketing and promotions, economic development, street services and improvements, and community service, efforts are aimed at ensuring New York’s position as the fashion capital of the world.
Fashion Design Council (FDCI) – India: Under its aegis, the FDCI will represent the interests of fashion designers. It will nurture the growth of this industry, help develop the needs of the industry, and provide a platform for Indian fashion designers. The Indian Fashion Industry, in international terms is embryonic. Expansion and awareness of the industry in India has leapt multifold in the last ten or twelve years of its existence. As the opportunities for designers grow and develop so will the need for such a council in India. Fashion Design Councils or Associations exist in all the primary fashion centers of the world. These councils were established to provide support and to benefit this vastly expanding and lucrative industry. In London, there is the British Fashion Council, in New York, the CFDA, and in Paris there is the Chambre Syndicale du Pret-a-porter des Couturiers et des Createurs de Mode. The FDCI will form a cohesive platform for designers. Create representations between its members and related governmental bodies, retailers and manufacturers thereby making the supply chain a smoother process. The council will conceptualize market trends and coordinate with manufacturers and retailers for the development of fabrics, prints etc.
Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY): FFANY’s membership includes 800 of the most famous brand names in the footwear industry.
Fashion From Spain – Trade Commission of the Embassy of Spain, New York (New York Office) Discover the new image of the fashion from Spain by accessing their web site, www.fashionfromspain.com, and subscribe to its weekly bulletin. A constantly innovative force in the new face of fashion in Europe, Spain will surprise you with its high quality and excellent design offer. The Trade Commission of the Embassy of Spain in New York is an agency of the Government of Spain directly involved with the promotion of the fashion companies and products from Spain in the United States. For further information, please visit their website.
Fashion Group International (FGI) : Non-profit professional organization for fashion and related fields. Also open to fashion students
Federation of Danish Textile & Clothing: Danish textile and clothing companies are among the most export oriented companies in the country. The industry’s total export is almost 70% of the turnover, which has been fairly growing during the 90ies. The FDTC has made it very easy for potential customers to find Danish suppliers Address: Birk Centerpark 38, P.O. Box 507 DK-7400 Herning Tel: +45 97 11 72 00 Fax: +45 97 11 72 15 E-mail: [email protected]
The Fiber Society (USA): Advancement of scientific knowledge pertaining to fibers, fiber products, and fibrous materials. The Society was founded in 1941 and is incorporated as a nonprofit professional and scientific association. The general management and supervision of the Society is delegated to the Governing Council, which is elected by and from the membership.
Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America
GAAHK: Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong was registered as a Non-Profit Organisation in accordance to Hong Kong law in September 1983, and as a limited company under the Companies Ordinance.
Garment Contractors Association of Southern California: Represents professional garment contracting businesses of Southern California.
Handweavers Guild of America: Dedicated to promoting textile arts and preserving textile heritage.
Home Sewing Association: Since the 1920s, the Home Sewing Association (HSA) has represented the many facets of the home sewing industry. The Association brings together fabric, pattern, notions, fiber, craft, home decorating, publishing and sewing machine companies with manufacturers, retailers, educators, wholesalers and buying offices. In 1996, the Association merged with the International Sewing Machine Association (ISMA), an organization comprised of independent sewing machine dealers and distributors, creating the only organization representing the entire home sewing industry. Members meet at trade shows to exchange ideas, share information and showcase new products.
Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association: The Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association (HKFDA) was founded in 1984 by a group of successful and enthusiastic local fashion designers. As a non-profit making and self-financing organization, it aims to unite fashion designers, with both professionalism and expertise, to develop and better both their careers and the industry within and beyond the territory. With supports from the industry and fellow designers in the past 26 years, the Association has evolved to a key platform to share ideas and experiences through organizing fashion events such as catwalk shows, seminars, interviews and group discussions. Reputed not only as an official unit of Hong Kong fashion elites who provides excellent services with expertise, the HKFDA joins its force to promote the industry with other organizations and official bodies to become:
- Member of Hong Kong Trade Development Council Garment Advisory Committee
- Member of Hong Kong Federation of Design Associations
- Founder Member and Board of Directors of Hong Kong Design Centre
The Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association is recognized as one of the leading fashion institutions in the region of Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China and other cities in the South Pacific region.
Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries’ Association : The intimate apparel industry has been playing a significant role in the local clothing industry, which has gained for Hong Kong the reputation of being a leading production centre and an international sourcing hub for textiles and clothing. Organized by the HKTDC and held at the HKCEC, the Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall /Winter offers buyers a fantastic spread of the very latest in garments and accessories from high-end fashion to mass merchandise. Highlights of the fair include “Garment Mart”, “World of Fashion Accessories”, “Fashion Gallery”, “Brand Name Gallery” and “International Fashion Designers’ Showcase” etc.
Illinois Retail Merchants Association: State retail organization that represents more than 23,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines. Members include the nations largest chains as well as independent stores in towns across Illinois.
Indian Textile Association: directory of textile associations and apparel associations in India. The Indian Textile Association had been developed by the Apparel Search Company.
International Alpaca Association (IAA): based in Peru, Non-profit trade organization of companies and breeders, involved in the production, processing and trade of alpaca fiber. Extensive article on properties and uses.
International Apparel Federation (IAF): Provides the leadership to bring together important apparel industry associations, trade groups and companies to further
International Fabrics Association International (IFAI): The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a not-for-profit trade association with more than 2,000 member firms that represent the international technical fabrics marketplace. IFAI is the industry’s largest, most comprehensive trade association, and provides a variety of products, services and programs.
International Federation of Customs Brokers (IFCBA): The International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations is building an infrastructure to raise international trade communication to new levels. This web service will embrace the new media to provide a bridge among member countries for information exchange, collaboration and interactivity.
International Quilt Association (USA): nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the art of quilting, the attainment of public recognition for quilting as an art form, and the advancement of the state of the art throughout the world.
International Rayon and Synthetic Fibres Committee (CIRFS): based in Belgium, roof organization for the European man-made fiber industry. Classification and detailed descriptions for common fibers and their manufacturing processes. Business data. List of publications. Links to member sites.
International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA): ITAA aims to advance excellence in scholarship and education in the textiles, apparel, and merchandising
International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF): is an international association for the world’s textile industries. They are dedicated to keeping its members continuously informed via surveys, studies and publications. They also educate members through the organization of annual conferences, participating in the evolution of the industry’s basic raw materials and their application, through specialised committees, with the overall objective of creating growth and prosperity in all aspects of the industry. Director General, Dr. Herwig Strolz, can be e-mailed at the address [email protected]
The Israel Textile & Fashion Association: For over 50 years, the Israel Textile & Fashion Association has been promoting the career developments of engineers, technologist, marketing and all other professionals within the Israeli Textile Industry. The Israeli affiliate of “The Textile Institute” and the Israeli chapter of the IFKT organization are integral parts of the Israel Textile & Fashion Association.
Italian Association of Textile Producers (ACIMIT) [Italian Textile Machinery]
IWA-Wool Bureau (NY) “The world of Wool” Association
Japan Fashion Association (Japan): their objective is to create a better life culture and to contribute to the development of life-style related industries overall. In July 2006, Japan Fashion Color Association and Japan Fashion Association integrated and reborned as Incorporated Foundation Japan Fashion Association. Address: Fukushima Bldg.6F, 1-5-3, Nihonbashi-Muromachi, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 103-0022 Tel.: +81-3-3242-1677 Fax: +81-3-3242-1678
Japan Sewing Machinery Manufacturers Association (JASMA)
Jute Manufactures Development Council (JMDC) based in India. National agency for promotion and marketing of jute fiber products. Link to Indian Trade Classification Codes for jute products. Categorized product directories. Events calendar.
Korea Federation of Textile Industries: KOFOTI was founded in 1967 to contribute to long-term development of the textile industry as well as advancement of the national economy. It has been performing a leading role in the development of the textile industry and the national economy for the last 30 years. The Korean textile industry has been faithfully fulfilling its roles as a key national industry, achieving considerable growth to account for 41% of total exports in 1971. The industry made a remarkable achievement in 1987 when it became the first in Korea to record exports of 10 billion dollars. However, the Korean textile industry has recently been experiencing much difficulty, owing to rapid advancement of developing countries and heightened competition in the global textile market, attributable to the end of a quota system.
Licensing Industry Merchandiser’s Association (LIMA): is a not-for-profit organization of licensors, manufacturers, retailers and other support organizations working for the advancement of professionalism in licensing. LIMA membership provides access to a broad variety of activities, information sources and benefits. Through regional, national and international events, seminars, exhibits and publications, LIMA is the worldwide advocate for anyone interested in learning about and working in the licensing business.
(Have you seen the Apparel Search licensing page?)
Lithuanian Apparel and Textile Industry Association: Lithuanian Apparel and Textile Industry Association (former the Association of Light Industry Enterprises of Lithuania) joints 170 textile and textile articles, wearing apparel, dressing, leather and leather products enterprises that produce 80 % of the total industrial output of the light industry. The Association was established in 1991. In the beginning of 2002 it was renamed. This is an independent union of light industry enterprises and associate trade, services organisations as well as education institutions. Lithuanian Apparel and Textile Industry Association observes the Republic of Lithuania Law on Associations, the Statute of Lithuanian Apparel and Textile Industry Association as well as other standard acts. The Board (general meeting) is the supreme governing body of the Association. The Association Presidium – collegial body is the leading structure ensuring more efficient settlement of various urgent issues defined in the Association Statute.
Mohair Council of America: To promote the general welfare of the mohair industry in this country.
National Academy of Needlearts: Devoted to the advancement of embroidery as an art form. Its goal is to uphold the highest standards in the needle-arts
National Association of College Stores: NACS is a nonprofit trade association serving college and university bookstores in the United States, Canada, and 15 other countries. NACS has been serving collegiate retailers since 1923. Our membership has grown from 20 founding member stores to more than 3,100 member stores, with an additional 1,200 associate members whose companies supply merchandise and services to the nation’s college stores.
National Association. of Display Industries (NADI): NADI, based in Hollywood, Fla., is an international, not-for-profit association representing the visual merchandising industry since 1942. The association’s membership includes manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers involved in the visual merchandising industry.
National Association of Retail Merchandising Services (NARMS)
National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (Naumd)
National Childrenswear Association: The National Childrenswear Association of Great Britain and Ireland was established 60 years ago. It’s prime purpose then was to promote the welfare of all those engaged in the British Childrenswear Industry. Today it remains the only National Association solely dedicated to promoting the Industry, both in the UK and abroad.
National Cleaners Association: The National Cleaners Association (NCA) is the premier professional trade association dedicated to the welfare of well-groomed consumers and the professional cleaners and suppliers who serve them. For over 50 years, NCA has been at the vanguard of education, research, and information distribution concerning garment and household fabric care. Elected officials, government agencies, consumer groups, fashion designers and major media outlets have recognized and responded to NCA’s activities, reports and tradition of excellence.Address: 252 W. 29th Street New York, NY 10001 phone: 212-967-3002 fax: 212-967-2240 email: [email protected] or [email protected] contact: Karla Clementson
The National Textile Center (NTC): Is a research consortium of six universities: Auburn University, Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University, UMass – Dartmouth and the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. The institutions share human resources, equipment and facilities. Serving the USA Fiber/Textile/Fabricated Products/Retail Complex, the NTC vision, mission and goals are realized through innovate research and links to other institutions
Oeko-Tex Association [Oeko-Tex 100 standard]: In the late eighties, the Austrian Textile Research Institute ÖTI (Österreichische Textil-Forschungsinstitut) in Vienna, developed a testing scheme for textiles relating to harmful substances, the “ÖTN 100”. The Institute tested textiles, clothing and floor coverings to the testing criteria involved. By 1991, ten companies were already certified to this human ecological test system. Building on this wealth of knowledge and joining forces with a similar scheme; “Öko-Check”, developed by the German textile institute; ” Forschungsinstitut Hohenstein”, the “Internationale Gemeinschaft für Forschung and Prufung auf dem Gebiet der Textilökologie”; or “OekoTex”; was developed in 1992. The first task for the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile Ecology was the elaboration of the “Öko-Tex Standard 100”, to enable the testing of textiles and clothing for their human ecology properties. This standard contains analytical tests for specified harmful substances and gives limiting values based on scientific considerations. A manufacturer whose product meets the requirements set by the standard is licensed to use the registered mark or label “Tested for Harmful Substances according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100” on his product. At the beginning of 1993, further renowned textile institutes joined the International Association as members. All members tested textile products to the same Oeko-Tex standard 100 methods and accordingly used the registered label to certify these products – “Confidence in Textiles. Tested for Harmful Substances according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100.” In 1995, the first edition of the Oeko-Tex Standard 1000 was issued. Here the requirements for environmentally friendly production were outlined. Manufacturing sites fulfilling a strict set of limiting value criteria, addressing areas such as banned chemicals and harmful manufacturing processes were licenced to carry the label; “Umweltfreundliche Betriebsstätte” (lit. Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing Site) and were able to then demonstrate an environmental management system. First organisations were subsequently audited in a pilot project. In 1999, the label “Oeko-Tex Standard 100 plus” was awarded for the first time. This related to a finished product, which fulfilled the requirements of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and was also produced only on sites carrying the Oeko-Tex Standard 1000 licence. .
Organic Trade Association (OTA): The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for the organic industry in North America. OTA’s mission is to encourage global sustainability through promoting and protecting the growth of diverse organic trade. This obviously includes organic fibers that can be used for fabric and clothing.
PIA:(Printing Industries of America, Inc.) Is in the business of promoting programs, services, and an environment that helps its members operate profitably. Many of PIA’s members are commercial printers, allied graphic arts firms such as electronic imaging companies, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers.
Plains Cotton Cooperative Association: the Plains Cotton Cooperative Associastion is a farmer-owned, cotton marketing and denim manufacturing cooperative headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. They are the world’s largest producer and supplier of Texas-style cotton and their American Cotton Grower’s (ACG) division is a major denim manufacturer renowned for innovative, high-fashion denim fabrics and customer service. Since its creation in 1953, PCCA has grown to become one of the largest handlers of U.S. cotton, marketing millions of bales annually. In addition to cotton marketing based in Lubbock, Texas, PCCA also owns a denim mill in Littlefield, Texas and cotton warehouse operations in Altus, Oklahoma, Liberal, Kansas and Sweetwater, Texas.
Professional Apparel Association: The Professional Apparel Association, founded in 1984, was organized as a result of a shared concern for the future of the professional apparel industry by both retailers and manufacturers. The Association’s membership is comprised solely of manufacturers of uniforms, shoes, and accessories.
Screen Printing & Graphic Imaging Association International (SGIA): SGIA is the only international association for specialty imaging. Their members are the printers, imagers and suppliers that serve this industry segment. Their goal is to provide this new generation of imaging professionals with the tools and information they need to make the best possible business decisions. They are also associated with Digital Printing & Imaging Association (DPI)
Seams Online: is comprised of manufacturing and contract manufacturing companies in the sewn products industry. Their supplier member companies provide valuable products and services to the sewn products industry.
Society of Dyers and Colourists: In order to make every effort ‘to advance the science of colour’, the Society of Dyers and Colourists aims to disseminate information through the coloration industry and beyond. This is done through the work done by the members of Council, the various committees and the membership worldwide. The headquarters of the Society are based in Bradford, UK where the aim of the Society is embodied in:
- Membership & regional affairs, in the global development and support for all members and regional activities
- Education & qualifications, promoting education and career opportunities in colour technology at all levels
- Technical, providing excellence in all aspects of colour fastness testing and colour measurement
- Publications, communicating and publishing scientific papers, information and books related to colour in all its forms
- Colour Centre, Colour Museum and Archives, providing an educational service on all aspects of colour via training, historic and contemporary collections
Southern Textile Association The Southern Textile Association, Inc., established in 1908, is a nonprofit organization for individuals in the textile and related industries with a common interest in all phases of textile manufacturing.
SPESA: The Sewn Products Equipment Suppliers Association is a member-driven organization that speaks for and acts on matters that affect the member companies. SPESA provides a forum to address the challenges of an ever-changing global marketplace.
Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association
Supima Association of America (USA): Non-profit organization of US pima cotton growers. Market and crop information. Industry calendar. Link to information about pima cotton, its properties and uses. Directory of ginners, brokers and merchants./font>
Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA): A professional organization representing manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and allied groups serving the textile care industry. Members manufacture and distribute drycleaning and laundry equipment and supplies.
T.F.A (The Fashion Association)
Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre (Singapore)
